Windows 11: what to know if you’re not sure about the update

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Do you need to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? Here’s what to know.

Sarah Tew / CNET

Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible devices today, marking the unofficial sunset for Windows 10. The phased rollout means that not all Windows 10 devices will be able to upgrade on day one. As a result, you will have time to decide when you are ready to take the leap. Note that Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end in 2025. What does this update look like and do you really need it?

If you’re wondering how long you actually need to switch to Windows 11 and how long you can safely wait before upgrading, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll also explain how to download Windows 11, how to know if your computer is compatible and who gets the update for free. Read on for everything you need to know about Windows 10 end of support and preparing for Windows 11.

More Info: Windows 11: What to Know About Downloading the Beta, New Features, Device Compatibility, Price, and more

Stay up to date on the latest Microsoft news, as well as reviews and recommendations on Windows PCs.

When will Microsoft support for Windows 10 end and why?

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches or feature updates for the Home, Pro, Enterprise, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions, which affect virtually all Windows 10 editions. users. (The only people who have until 2029 are the few users of the Windows 10 Enterprise long-term support channel.)

This comes as no surprise: Microsoft has an established fixed lifestyle policy for many of its products. For each version of its operating system, the company offers a minimum of 10 years of support (at least five years of mainstream support such as security updates and free incident support, followed by five years of extended support such as troubleshooting a payment).

Windows 10 was released in July 2015, so its 10-year lifecycle will end by October 2025. (Here’s everything you need to know about Windows 10’s end of support).

The days of Windows 10 are numbered.

Josh Goldman / CNET Should I upgrade to Windows 11? Will my Windows 10 computer stop working after Microsoft withdraws support?

No. You will still be able to use your Windows 10 computer the same way you have been, just as many people are still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, although Microsoft has supported both in recent years. However, once support ends, you will not receive any security updates, which could make your computer vulnerable – many forms of malware target Windows devices.

If you don’t want to stop using your Windows 10 computer after support ends in 2025, there are a few steps you can take to better protect it.

Will my computer be able to run Windows 11?

It depends. If you buy a new PC between now and the general version, that computer will be able to run Windows 11. To see if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11, go to Microsoft’s website for a list of requirements.

Microsoft originally instructed people to download the PC Health Check app to check if their machines were compatible. However, many users reported that it did not provide an adequate amount of detail as to why a device was not compatible. On June 28, a blog post from Microsoft claimed that the company was “temporarily removing the app” to fix this and that the tool would be back before the fall version of Windows 11, although it appears to have reappeared shortly before launch. Windows 11. Alternatively, you can use another open source app called WhyNotWin11 to see if your device is compatible. Also, here’s how to check hardware compatibility with Windows 11 without either tool.

How do I upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? How much will it cost me?

If you’re already a Windows 10 user and have a compatible computer, Windows 11 will appear as a free upgrade for your computer once it’s generally available, probably in October. (You can also download a beta version now if you’d like to try it out ahead of time, but we only recommend doing so if you have a second test device, as it will likely be faulty.)

Once Windows 11 is generally available, you’ll download it the same way you would any new version of Windows. Most users go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If available, you will see Upgrading Features to Windows 11. Click Download and Install. (Here’s more information on how to download Windows 11. If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 yet, you might still be able to download Windows 10 for free too – here’s how.)

Windows 11 includes a new interface and many new features.

Microsoft What’s the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11, anyway?

Windows 11 includes a new design and several new features over Windows 10 that aim to make it easier for you to navigate your computer, whether you use it for personal, business, or both. Here are some of the biggest changes in Windows 11:

A new interface more like a Mac: Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners, pastel shades, and a centered Start menu and taskbar. Integrated Android apps: Android apps will arrive on Windows 11 and will be installable from the new Microsoft Store via the Amazon App Store. (There were a couple of ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, but that will make it native.) Microsoft Teams integration: Teams is getting a makeover and will be integrated directly into the Taskbar Windows 11, which makes it easier to log in (and a bit more like Apple’s FaceTime). You will be able to log into Teams from Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. Improved Virtual Desktop Support: Windows 11 will allow you to set up virtual desktops in a more MacOS-like way, switching between multiple desktops for personal, work, school, or gaming. Easier transition from monitor to laptop and better multitasking: the new operating system includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts – collections of the apps you are using at the same time that are located in the system tray and can appear or be minimized at the same time for a longer easy change of business. They also allow you to connect and disconnect from a monitor more easily without losing where your open windows are. Widgets: Although they’ve been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), Included in a recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the taskbar and customize them to see what you want. for better games: Windows 11 will get some features found in Xbox consoles, such as Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to enhance games on your Windows PC.

We have analyzed all the major differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 here. We also have a guide on all the best new Windows 11 features and how you will use them.

For more details, check out all the features we wanted in Windows 11 but didn’t get and how to use Android apps on Windows 10 right now.

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